Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The most common symptoms of IBS include: sickness or nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, cramping and abdominal pain or discomfort with varying degrees of severity, sharp pain directly in the bowel(s), bloating and wind. It can be fairly disabling and distressing for the sufferer but it doesn’t cause any permanent damage to the intestines and is not linked with the development of more serious illnesses or diseases, such as cancer.
Other symptoms may also be experienced such as heartburn, abdominal bloating after meals, feeling full quickly, gurgling noises, mucus, headaches, tiredness, sleep disturbances, nausea, an increased need to pass urine, depression and anxiety.
There is much speculation as to the cause of IBS, but research has been unable to discover one particular cause. It is thought to be linked in particular to food sensitivities and intolerances, a bacterial infection in the gut, a malfunction of muscles in the gut, or heightened sensitivity to stress.
Another theory indicates that it may be linked to serotonin levels as the majority of serotonin is found in the digestive tract. It may be triggered by an emotional upheaval, a major life event or a severe bout of gastroenteritis. Finally (as I personally discovered) it can be triggered by an abdominal operation.
There are no specific tests to identify IBS, although sometimes blood tests, a colonoscopy or x-rays are used – usually to rule out more serious illnesses. As a rule, a GP will base a diagnosis on a patient’s medical history, a physical examination of the abdomen and a description of the symptoms being experienced. In general, symptoms will have been present for at least six months – especially changes in bowel habit, regular bloating and abdominal pain.
The good news is that, while there’s no cure, IBS can largely be controlled through diet, prescribed medications and stress management. Particular things that can trigger a flare-up of IBS include large, heavy meals, anti-biotics, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, stress or emotional upsets. It’s also been found that women with IBS may experience more symptoms during their menstrual period, which suggests that the reproductive hormones may worsen IBS.
It is advisable to cut out all fried and fatty foods, refined sugar, spicy foods, alcohol, fizzy drinks and caffeine (especially coffee). Other intolerances that can aggravate IBS are very personal to the individual, although dairy has often been identified as a trigger as have citrus fruits. Increasing fibre levels in your diet may help reduce the risk of bloating and gas and improve digestion, although it should be increased gradually to allow your body to get used to it. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to keep the body well hydrated. Sticking to a low-fat diet, with wholegrains, and plenty of fruit and vegetables is the most effective and natural way of reducing symptoms.
If you’re worried that foods are triggering your symptoms it can be very helpful to keep a food diary for a few weeks as this might identify specific links between food and a flare-up of IBS.
Whilst it is vital – especially in the first instance – to discuss all symptoms and treatments with a GP, there are a number of over-the-counter remedies which are available and are very effective in relieving the symptoms associated with IBS. The best ones that I’ve come across are Mebeverine (also known as Colofac) which is a brilliant anti-spasmodic and can quickly reduce pain and Colpermin (peppermint oil) which is great for reducing bloating, wind and relieving spasms. Heat packs (e.g. lavender wheat bag) or hot-water bottles can help relieve stomach pain.
A GP may recommend fibre supplements (for example psyllium husks, Fybogel, or Fybogel Mebeverine) and there are other products that can be effective in offering gentle relief from constipation, such as Lepicol. At the other end of the spectrum, products like Imodium can be used to reduce diarrhoea.
Olive Leaf has a huge array of benefits including helping to relieve stomach pain and reducing muscle spasms and cramps. Coconut oil is also said to help relieve IBS and aid digestion.
Probiotics are very important for gut health, whether it’s in the form of probiotic drinks, or in tablet form such as acidophilus.
Natural remedies such as camomile or ginger can help, so maybe replace tea and coffee with these herbal teas. Milk Thistle can also help strengthen both the stomach and the liver. Essential oils can be massaged into the abdomen, the best ones being lavender, peppermint and chamomile mixed with a base carrier oil.
Indigestion remedies or charcoal tablets can help reduce rumbling of the stomach and alleviate trapped gas in the intestines.
There are several other products available from health food shops or chemists to support digestion which contain digestive enzymes and supporting herbs such as bromelain, apple cider vinegar, ginger root, peppermint leaf and turmeric.
The colon has many nerves connecting it to the brain which is why stress and emotional upset (e.g. feeling troubled, angry, overwhelmed or mentally tense) can trigger colon spasms in people with IBS. This is also why a lot of people may experience “butterflies” when they are nervous, excited or upset. With IBS, these colonic nerves can be easily aggravated and can respond adversely to the slightest sign of stress, which is why stress management is another vital factor in controlling symptoms. So relaxation therapies, meditation, gentle exercise (walking, swimming or yoga), adequate rest and sleep and even counselling to help manage stressful situations can all be highly beneficial.
Tricyclic anti-depressants are sometimes used as pain relief and to reduce stress, but are generally only suggested if there has been no response to other treatments.